You’re not alone. It’s not just you. Our story begins with the humble wine stoppers. Was there anything simpler? Simple things can sometimes be the most powerful.

Picture it. Picture this. Your friends have left, but their laughter still echoes in your living area. A Merlot uncapped shimmers with candlelight. If you haven’t yet invested in one of the fancy vacuum-sealing devices, saran-wrap seems like dress pants on a BBQ. You might find that a winestopper is just the thing you need.

Raise a toast to our cork buddies. These corks may lack the glitz of an elegant decanter and the appeal of a bottle opener but their power to influence the destiny your wine has is immense. The task of the decanter? The task of the keeper is to preserve that delicate scent or bold mixture until your next visit. These guys are the “guardians” of flavor without Guy Fieri (or his crazy shirts).

You can find more gadgets like this than you think. Then there’s the cool silicon. Just a slight bend or twist and voilà! This will create a tight seal around your Chardonnay. You can also add a classic cork to your bottle, which will give it a vintage look. The possibilities are endless. Stoppers are available with artistic tops ranging from pewter to glass-blown art.

The question is, do I need to stuff another thing into my drawer? Aha! Let me paint you a scene. Aunt Martha comes to visit. She’s the aunt with the love of pinot noirs, and the gossip network that would make a journalist in a small town jealous. She notices your adorable owl top Decanter. Her eyebrows do a playful dance. It’s a conversation starter. Conversation starter.

Here’s a tip for other wine lovers. Not all grapes are equal. The seal’s robustness should be tested. If you wouldn’t trust your Keepsake with a weak lock, why would you do the same for your vino. You can also try dropping or throwing your unopened bottles a few inches off a table. If it doesn’t spill, then you have a winner. If you want to avoid spilling liquids on your Persian rug, practice holding bottles first.

Remember that cleanliness is just as important in wine-ventures. They can grow into nasty little gremlins and turn your wine more quickly than a cat on a cucumber picnic. They can be cleaned or thrown in the dishwasher depending on what type they are. Keep your drinking vessels clear, crisp, and in constant rotation.

The humble wine stopper is a great item to consider next time you shop for kitchen supplies or browse cute gadgets. Although they may be hidden behind closed doors, you should consider their full potential. The wine experience is more than just drinking a glass of vino. And these cork enhancers are right at the center of it.

Don’t hesitate to give your wine all the credit it deserves. Taste buds dance in gratitude. Cheers!